Best Controller For Forza Horizon 5

There's a lot to consider when searching best controller for Forza Horizon 5, especially with the huge selection of standout devices to choose from. However, we'd argue that finding a top gamepad isn't as tricky as you might think.

The main areas we'd recommend keeping an eye out for when adding one of the best controllers for racing to your setup is something with additional buttons and adjustable joysticks to give you complete customisation and control over your setup.

With that in mind, we've put together a list of our top picks based on price, reviews, and unique features that make these controllers stand out from the crowd as excellent choices for both Horizon 5, and the new Forza Motorsport title.

Whether you're looking for a mid-range gamepad, like this PowerA FUSION Pro 2, or a premium device, like this Xbox Elite Series 2, to take your setup to the next level, we've got everything you need to kick off your search right here.

To help you decide which device will suit your setup, we've also answered some of the most frequently asked questions about controllers and what makes them suitable for racing. With that in mind, let's get into it...

Best controllers for Forza Horizon 5

1. Razer Wolverine V2 - best Xbox gamepad
2. Xbox Elite Series 2 - best for next-gen gaming
3. PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced - a great option for PC
4. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro - a pro-standard device
5. Razer Wolverine Ultimate - premium excellence
6. PowerA FUSION Pro 2 - a top mid-range choice
7. Logitech F310 - best budget alternative

Credit: Razer

1. Razer Wolverine V2

Best Xbox controller for Forza Horizon 5

Razer's Wolverine V2 controller is a top-tier gamepad that doubles as an exceptional choice for racing.

With trigger-stop switches, braking becomes faster, and acceleration quicker when exiting corners, making it a must-have for Forza Horizon 5 players.

Furthermore, the remappable front-facing buttons are an added advantage, allowing players to assign frequently used controls such as gear shifts for smoother access.

Overall, the Razer Wolverine V2 controller is unrivaled as a pro-controller for racing games, particularly for Forza Horizon 5.

• Read More: Best headsets for Forza Horizon 5

Credit: Xbox

2. Xbox Elite Series 2

Best next-gen controller for Forza Horizon 5

The Xbox Elite Series 2 is designed to be one of the best next-gen controllers available, so should suit even the most enthusiastic FH5 players.

It comes with swappable buttons, shifter-like bumpers, and the ability to adjust its pressure resistance to help you brake later into corners for a more aggressive racing style.

Also, with the supplied tool, you can adjust the stiffness of the joysticks which should help with the accuracy of your turning to help you hit every apex around the fictionalised Mexican landscape with ease.

A premium bit of kit, but one that's definitely worth checking out for FH5 in our opinion. However, keep an eye out for the rumoured arrival of the Xbox Elite Series 3, which could potentially eclipse the Series 2 once it debuts.

• Read More: Best sim racing deals

Credit: PowerA

3. PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced

Best PC controller for Forza Horizon 5

While the PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced is an officially licensed Xbox controller, we consider it to be an excellent choice for playing FH5 on your PC. FH4 saw the franchise's first PC release and has continued as FH5 is available on Steam.

With that being said, this LED-lit controller should easily connect to your PC via its USB cable.

It also comes with useful features for racing like 3-way bumper locks for more precise braking and anti-friction analogs designed to stop your finger from slipping whilst going around a tight hairpin.

• Read More: Best wheels for Forza Horizon 5

Credit: Nacon

4. Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro

Best pro controller for Forza Horizon 5

The Nacon Revolution Pro comes with replaceable joysticks and 4 shortcut buttons that should help give you a bit more precision and control over your high-speed FH5 vehicle.

Furthermore, its ergonomic design and Bluetooth connectivity mean you will likely be able to lay back and race for hours without feeling discomfort in your hands.

As mentioned above, FH5 is exclusive to Xbox and PC, but if you're a PC gamer looking for a PlayStation-like controller to race with, then the Nacon Revolution Unlimited Pro might be your answer.

• Read More: Best racing seats for Forza Horizon 5

Credit: Razer

5. Razer Wolverine Ultimate

Best premium controller for Forza Horizon 5

Although we've already featured the Razer Wolverine V2, the Razer Wolverine Ultimate gamepad looks to be one of the best premium devices around.

The Wolverine Ultimate offers a wide range of extra controls, including re-mappable multi-function bumpers, four multi-function triggers, and a quick-access control panel to help you select some of your most-used controls faster.

Furthermore, the controller comes with two interchangeable D-Pads so you can customise the configuration to suit your racing style, making it a great option to consider for FH5 gameplay.

• Read More: Best triple monitor arms for Forza Horizon 5

Credit: PowerA

6. PowerA FUSION Pro 2

Best mid-range controller for Forza Horizon 5

The PowerA FUSION Pro 2 looks to be a well-rounded and reasonably priced bit of kit for FH5 that should be more than capable of taking your racing skills to the next level.

For example, it comes with PowerA's pro pack which includes four programmable buttons that you can quickly customise mid-race, plus dual rumble motors and magnetic impulse triggers for added feedback from the race track.

For maximum control, you can switch between short, tall, and even convex-capped thumbsticks according to your preference.

It's also worth noting the wired connectivity should provide you with zero latency to accurately capture your subtle racing adjustments during wheel-to-wheel action, thus making it a great pick for FH5.

• Read More: Best racing gloves for Forza Horizon 5

Credit: Logitech

7. Logitech F310

Best budget controller for Forza Horizon 5

If you find top-of-the-line pro controllers to be expensive, the Logitech F310 might be a better fit for you as a more casual Forza player.

Its retro appearance adds a nostalgic touch, and its layout resembles that of a PS4 controller, making it ideal for those who prefer the old-school feel and style of PlayStation.

Moreover, this controller is more compact compared to most devices on the market today, so if you prefer a non-bulky option, the Logitech F310 is a solid choice.

Overall, this budget-friendly controller offers aesthetic charm and is a great option for anyone looking to enjoy FH5 in a more relaxed manner.

• Read More: Best wheels for Forza Motorsport

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When it comes to finding the right controller for gaming, there are usually a few questions that pop up, but we're here to answer some of the more common queries.

How much should I spend on a controller for Forza Horizon 5?

This really depends on your budget and what you're looking to get out of a controller for racing games.

You can pick up a relatively inexpensive third-party controller in the traditional layouts popularised by Xbox and PlayStation.

However, you'd be missing out on some of the useful features for racing some of the pro controllers have.

A pro controller will likely be a bit more expensive but they all typically come with adjustable bumpers, buttons, and joysticks which can give you more control, accuracy, and precision on games like FH5.

That's not to say there aren't any budget pro controllers available.

For example, the PowerA Spectra Infinity Enhanced features 3-way bumper locks as is typically found on some of the more premium devices; however, this particular controller won't necessarily break the bank.

Are all controllers compatible with Forza Horizon 5 on PC?

Most officially licensed Xbox controllers are immediately compatible with Windows PCs as Microsoft is the manufacturer behind both of them.

Unfortunately, PlayStation controllers will likely require additional software or adapters in order to plug in and play FH5.

However, if you plan on purchasing the game through Steam, you can connect a PS5 DualSense by going to Steam > Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings and selecting PlayStation configuration when you plug in your device.

Is a controller better for Forza Horizon 5 than a racing wheel?

We feel that there is a lot more to gain from using a wheel than a controller for FH5, especially once you’re used to using the device.

This is due to the added control and realism you get from a wheel for racing with the addition of Force Feedback or Direct Drive device.

However, a controller offers you greater versatility away from racing, so, if you’re a more casual Forza player, then you may find picking up a top gamepad to be more beneficial.

Can you use the Xbox One controller on the Series X/S?

Several Xbox accessories including the Xbox One controller are forward compatible with the latest Series X/S consoles.

This is most likely due to there being only a handful of changes between the old and new gamepad.

That said, the new Series X/S device is smaller and features a redesigned D-pad which is a hybrid between a traditional pad with strong cardinal directions and a more flexible pad that makes it easier to input diagonal directions.

What controller settings should you use for Forza Horizon 5?

This is a tricky one to answer as it will vary depending on your experience level and personal preference.

However, we believe there are a few minor adjustments you can make in Advanced Controls to take your racing to the next level.

For example, dropping the steering axis dead zone inside down to around 5 should give you a faster response to your controller inputs.

The same can be applied to the acceleration axis dead zone inside. The higher the number here, the more you'll need to press your controller's trigger to get the car to accelerate.

You may also find setting the outside dead zones to 100 for a smooth linear curve.

Should you clean your gaming controller?

Cleaning a controller is important to keep it in top condition and working effectively.

We'd recommend wiping down your controllers from time to time to remove any dirt and debris that can build up whilst racing.

Using a toothbrush or cotton bud can also be a handy way of targeting the harder-to-reach areas, for example, around the buttons.

In fact, if too much dirt builds up around the buttons, you may find they stick or start to become unresponsive, so it's important to maintain your devices

How can I improve my driving using a controller?

There are a number of tips to help you improve your FH5 driving performance whilst using a controller, for example, it is widely recommended you always push the analog stick forward and make any turns from there.

The smoother curve of the analog stick is usually reflected in-game, plus it can allow you to make minor adjustments a little easier.

Another handy tip is to not instantly press down the brake and throttle triggers as you wouldn't slam these on if you were racing with pedals.

It is therefore recommended you take a much smoother approach to braking and acceleration which, in turn, should improve performance.